Elena Rybakina Defeats Aryna Sabalenka to Claim Record £4m Reward
Elena Rybakina sealed her forty-fifth hard court triumph of 2025
Elena Rybakina claimed the greatest prize in WTA all time by overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at the championship.
Rybakina delivered a impressive performance to overcome four-times major winner her opponent in two sets in the host country.
Because each competitor came through the competition without a loss, the purse on offer was a record-breaking £3.98 million – the largest payout offering in women's tennis the sport's history.
The prize money exceeds the £3.74 million the Belarusian earned for winning the New York major, which was the highest-paying Grand Slam in 2025.
"It's been an amazing tournament," commented the Kazakh player.
"I honestly couldn't have predicted any result so to go so far was just unbelievable."
"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for holding the top spot for a second year in a row, it's an tremendous accomplishment."
The champion, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a commanding first-set display.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner saved two chances before taking all four points in the sixth game of the set to take the break and held her serve to secure the opening set.
With the second set on serve, Sabalenka defended two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favor.
But, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting two set points in the next game to level the set at five-all.
Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tiebreak play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.
This win, Rybakina's sixth over her rival, means Rybakina will rise one place in the WTA rankings to fifth in the world.
A distraught Sabalenka appeared to be in tears as she sat with her coaching team shortly after the final.
"That was not the finest performance from me in this match but Rybakina you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.
"You really overpowered me out of the court. I'm happy to see you at your peak. Enjoy this beautiful trophy."
